My husband and I returned recently from celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary at the charming and delightful Granaway. There hasn’t been a day that has passed since that I haven’t thought or spoke to someone about this lovely and delightful retreat.
We arrived (with way too much luggage) by taxi full of anticipation and were promptly greeted by the adorable and lively 15 month old Schnauzer, Maverick (whom I immediately fell in love with!) We were soon joined by our delightful hosts, Carol and Michael. (There is also a beautiful and elegant resident cat Olive). Michael helped us with our luggage and showed us to our lovely room (The Royal Room) where he enlightened us to the various amenities of Granaway and provided us with maps, brochures and even a couple of bus/ferry tickets to get us started. Our room was just beautiful, refreshingly painted white with lavender and green accents. We had a very comfortable queen size bed, two cozy armchairs (and an ottoman), a small television, dream machine (CD player) small refrigerator (perfect to store snack foods like cheese and to keep your beer and wine cold!), kettle, pretty dishes, cutlery, corkscrew, hairdryer (it was lavender!), beach towels and interesting reading material on the royal family. Staying true to the theme, the large bathroom features a shelf over the toilet displaying commemorative and collectible cups of the various royals (a nice quirky touch!) as well as excellent and up-to-date shower and bath fixtures (a lovely rainforest shower head).

Probably the nicest feature of the room was the private, tiled terrace where we spent every afternoon relaxing after returning home and showering, enjoying a glass of rose (for me) and a cold beer (my husband). It would be just as relaxing to sit by the gorgeous pool (with its border of beautiful patterned tiles) surrounded by the lush gardens that will bring to mind a Victorian novel (think a Secret Garden). There are never more than a few guests hanging around, in fact, on many occasions when we returned from our adventures, the place was tranquil and serene and we felt like we had it all to ourselves. You could also walk across the harbour road to the secluded and private dock. Walk down a few stone stairs and you will find yourself in another delightful little hideaway. In fact, one night we enjoyed an al fresco dinner there (bought at the local grocery store Hayward’s, where they have a help-yourself selection of hot and cold homemade food). You can even go for a dip if you like or recline on the two lounge chairs that are set up. There is a nice size table that can accommodate a group of people or two `loveseats` seemingly carved right into the wall!

Probably one of my fondest memories of Granaway, will be the wonderful breakfast served every morning promptly at 9 and made lovingly by Francisco (Granaway`s right hand man) and Michael. This is served in a warm and antique-filled dining room that overlooks Granaway Harbour. The candlelit table is set with beautiful antique china and glassware and every couple (or individual) receives an antique silver pot of steaming tea or coffee. Breakfast begins with fresh fruit salad, followed by freshly baked muffins (different every day) and toast, and finally deliciously prepared eggs (cooking style again not repeated in the five days we were there) – poached, coddled, boiled, omelette and French toast. The guests were all extremely nice and interesting and we would all share our stories of where we had been and the plans for the day ahead. Often Michael, Carol or Francisco will join in the conversation and offer valuable advice and tips (or just recount a great story!).

All of dinners out were memorable – lovely settings and great food. We found our meal at Blu (at Belmont Hills) to be the best in the culinary department. Even more fun was getting there. I felt like a character in a Narnia novel climbing through the foliage in the garden at Granaway (at the Buddha to be precise) and finding myself on the green of a beautiful golf course! Of course it was nearing sunset, so there were no golfers or stray balls to avoid. We had a lovely walk up to the top of a hill to the restaurant where we enjoyed a very unique and delicious supper. We met up with some fellow Granaway guests and all made our way back in the dark (with the aid of a flashlight and a resourceful teenager, Christopher!). We also dined at Mickey`s Bistro and the Seabreeze Lounge (both at Elbow Beach Resort) which are situated right down on the beach as well as The Dining Room at Gibb`s Lighthouse where the view is spectacular (meals at all were excellent). The fish chowder at both the Hog Penny pub in Hamilton and the Whitehorse Pub in St. Georges was delicious (thanks in part to the Gosling's Black Rum and the Sherry Peppers Sauce (both of which we purchased and brought home!)

Granaway is conveniently situated about 10 minutes in either direction to either a ferry stop on Harbour Road or a bus stop at the end of Longford road. We managed to see the whole island by foot, bus and ferry and would recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes or sandals if going that route. In the evening, after our dinners out, we usually opted to take a taxi home, as it may be a bit treacherous walking along the narrow roads in the dark. Walking along these roads may seem a bit daunting at first, but the drivers are used to pedestrians and you will soon get used to it. We preferred to walk against the traffic and would advise others to do the same. The next time we visit (of course we are coming back!) we will try out the scooters!

If I had to think of anything negative, it may only be the noise from the harbour road in the early morning. This was only an inconvenience to us because we are both light sleepers and popping a classical CD in the `dream machine`, usually lulled me back to sleep. (The other guests did not seem to be bothered, so I would not let this deter you.)

I would recommend Granaway to anyone who appreciates attention to detail and the opportunity to stay in a unique and charming home that is almost 300 years old! I don`t believe you will find better value for your money (the breakfast alone would set you back a pretty penny if you could even find anything comparable!) anywhere on the island. Of course the icing on the cake are the wonderful people – Carol, Michael and Francisco (and not to forget the lovable Maverick and Olive) – this is a true home and you will leave Granaway with a very warm feeling in your heart and a tear or two in your eye (I did!). We will be back!

Carol, Mike and Francisco make the difference ! Charming and efficient hosts which create a great Bermuda sun even during the stormy days. Many thanks , all of you.

Rooms are clean and confortable, breakfasts are excellent and served with love, location is quite nice but you need to rent a scooter, other guests were very nice during our stay.

The only improvement could be the garden and pool areas which could certainly be must attractive and used by the guests with minimum improvements.

Enjoy a taste of the real Bermuda at Granaway, a fabulous Guest House located just across the harbor from Hamilton. Michael and Carol Ashton will be sure you are spoiled with a generous and delicious breakfast and will tend to your every need. You will so enjoy meeting them, living in their beautiful home and strolling the lovely gardens. In just a few hours you will feel like part of the family! Your Bermuda experience will be so much more personal and enjoyable if you plan to stay at Granaway!

Granaway Guest House and Cottage were just what we needed. We celebrated our 30 year wedding anniversary in the cottage in the grounds of the most beautiful guest house. Michael and Carol are such great hosts. All the staff were superb. We had the most delicious breakfasts every morning where we sat with all the guests and received such pleasant and wonderful service. We felt like one of the family. The table was set so nicely, with silverware and wonderful plates etc.
The cottage was very quaint and quiet. It was very romantic and private. The garden and pool were just so relaxing. We barbecued one night and swam nearly every day.If you want a quiet relaxing break I would recommend Granaway. Absolutely amazing and
well worth a visit. We shall be back. Thanks everyone at Granaway for making our stay so memorable. We will never forget this trip.